Quarterback
Derek Carr had an up and down 2018. He set new records in completion percentage (68.9) and passing yards (4,049). However, he threw just 19 touchdown passes, a career low.
He finished 18th in NFL.com scoring with 216.76 points. He had just three games over 20 points and one over 30. In standard 12-man leagues that makes him only a spot starter against weaker defenses.
That being said, the Raiders did a solid job of adding pieces around him. Both Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams will man the outside while rookie Hunter Renfrow will likely man the inside.
Brown and Williams caught for 1,297 and 653 yards respectively. Renfrow caught for 544 yards himself as a senior at Clemson. Just those three receivers have over half of what Carr threw for in 2018. While they’re all coming from different offenses and gelling might be an issue, it’s inarguable that Carr’s receiving core has vastly improved.
The run game should see a boost as well. The team finished just 25th in rushing yards last season with an average of 4.2 yards per carry. While there will be some of the same with Doug Martin/Jalen Richard, the addition of Josh Jacobs should provide a spark. If he is everything draft analysts labeled him as, he should give Carr another option and another way to spread the defense.
Oakland’s offensive line should be improved as well with the introduction of Trent Brown at right tackle. While left guard is still a question mark, Rodney Hudson and Gabe Jackson are two of the better interior lineman in the league. If Kolton Miller improves, the Raiders’ line could be one of the more underrated in the league.
Carr has all the tools necessary to succeed. The only question is if he can capitalize. There have been rumors of the Raiders taking a quarterback in next year’s draft. If Carr fails with this unit, there is a high likelihood of that occurring.
Bottom Line: Outside of the deepest leagues Carr still shouldn’t be drafted. That being said, there’s a chance for a huge bounce back this year, making him a strong waiver wire priority in games against weak competition and perhaps beyond.
